NEW walking and cycling 'hubs' are to be set up across the region.

And Keighley-district organisations are being encouraged to get involved.

They can apply for grants of up to £50,000 as part of the initiative, aimed at supporting people in communities to walk or get on their bikes.

The funding – which also covers 'wheeling', using a wheelchair or mobility aid – is being made available by West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

West Yorkshire's mayor, Tracy Brabin, says: "Grants will enable groups to become 'one-stop-shops' for people to access everything they need – including advice and support regarding routes, equipment and training, and group activities.

"We want to encourage more people in the region to travel on foot and by cycle, not only to help tackle the climate emergency but also to improve people's health and wellbeing.

"This investment will mean community groups can help more people reap the benefits of walking and cycling, and I’d encourage all those eligible to apply."

West Yorkshire Combined Authority already funds more than a dozen organisations across the region as part of an active travel hubs initiative, including Bradford Trident, Bradford Capital of Cycling, New Wortley Community Centre and Colne Valley Cycle Therapy in Slaithwaite.

Amongst those who can benefit from the latest round of funding to expand the network are social enterprises, registered charities, community interest and private limited companies, and local authorities.

Aurangzeb Khan, active travel officer at Bradford Trident, says: "The active travel hub funding from West Yorkshire Combined Authority has provided a great boost to our support offer – helping to expand opening times at a bicycle library we operate, from one day a week to multiple days plus evenings and weekends.

"It has enabled us to support more than 270 local residents to enhance their cycling skills and confidence, including dozens of women from minority groups, many of whom had never cycled before.

"The funding has been a huge help, and momentum has grown throughout the past year, enabling many residents to discover and embrace the joys and benefits of walking, cycling and wheeling."

Ms Brabin adds: "To qualify for the funding, an organisation must be able to show it is committed to developing walking, cycling and wheeling in its local community."

For further information about the scheme and how to apply for funding, go to http://cyclecityconnect.co.uk/communityhubs

The deadline for grant applications is midnight on Sunday, February 18.